Microsoft released the Xbox 360 gaming console in the USA. It was the first of the 'next genration' consoles to be released.

During the Miss World contest in Nigeria more than 150 people were killed after riots broke out. The riots were sparked after a newspaper article suggested that the Prophet Muhamed would had chosen one of his wives from among the contestants. The event was canceled and was held at a later day in England.

The first Tomb Raider game was released. Is is considered as one of the most successful computer games ever made, which even spawned two feature movies starring Angelina Jolie.

Lebanese President Rene Moawad was assassinated after a bomb exploded near the motorcade that was transporting him.

Boxer, Mike Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion of the world at the age of 20 after knocking out Trevor Berbick in the second round of the match.

Juan Carlos was declared King of Spain following the death of dicator Francisco Franco.

Irish writer, C. S. Lewis, died at the age of 65. Lewis is best known for his work 'The Chronicles of Narnia'.

US President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas.

British writer, Aldous Huxley, died at the age of 69. He is considered as one of the most influential writers / philosophers of the 20th century and was widely characterised as the 'Leader of Modern Thought'.

American actress, Jamie Lee Curtis, was born in Los Angeles, California.

American born comedian, Terry Gilliam, was born in Minnesota. He is best known as being part of the Monty Python group. He is the only American to ever be part of the otherwise entirely British group.

American actor, Robert Vaughn, was born in New York City.

Archaeologist Howard Carter opened the tomb of the Egyptian Pharao, Tutankhamun.

President of France, Charles de Gaulle, was born in Lille. He was the head of the Free French government-in-exile during World War II and is considered as one of the greatest heroes of france by its people.

British entrepreneur, Thomas Cook, was born in South Derbyshire, England. He was the founder of the British travel Agency, Thomas Cook, which is still one of Britain's largest and oldest travel agencies.